For full Borrowing information, see the Borrowing Policy [1]
What do I need to borrow material?
To borrow library material, you will need your library card number [2] and your PIN. A PIN is assigned when you register for a card.
You can change this PIN at any time, through your My HPL library account [3] or at any library branch. Please make sure you bring identification when you wish to make changes to your account in person.
How long can I borrow material for?
- Loan period for all material is currently 4 weeks.
When you check out material you will receive a receipt with the due date for the items you have borrowed. A receipt can also be emailed to you. You can also check MyHPL [3] for due dates. Be sure to return your items on time to avoid any late fines [4].
Borrowing Limits
For more information about library cards, see Types of Library cards [2].
Discovery cards have limits on the number of items members can borrow:
- A maximum of 50 items can be checked out at any time.
- A limit of two (2) DVD Express and two (2) Bestseller Express items can be checked out.
- A maximum of 50 holds can be placed.
- Access to digital collections and resources
Inspire card users can borrow materials and are subject to the same responsibilities as a Discovery library card, but with reduced borrowing limits:
- A maximum of five (5) items can be checked out at any time.
- A maximum of one (1) Express item.
- A maximum of five (5) holds can be placed at any time.
- Access to digital collections and resources
- Late Fines [4] are not applied except for Express items and Video Games
Community cards have extended borrowing and loan periods.
- A maximum of 200 items can be checked out at any time.
- A ninety-day (90) loan period for item, excluding Express items, Video Games and Periodicals
- The manager reserves the right to impose limitations on the amount and type of material available or shorten the loan period if necessary.
- A maximum of ninety-nine (99) holds can be placed.
Reciprocal card
- Cardholders can borrow up to eight (8) items and can place two (2) holds.
- Reciprocal cardholders do not have access to digital resources, such as eBooks.
Renewals
Items that are eligible for renewal will automatically be renewed on the due date up to three (3) times following initial checkout. Members with email notification will receive an email informing them of which items have been renewed and which items will be due. The following items are not eligible for renewal:
- Items requested by another member
- Magazines
- DVD Express
- Bestseller Express
Renewal of Interlibrary loan materials is subject to the guidelines of the lending library.
Reserves/ Holds
Members with a valid Hamilton Public Library card may reserve an item to be picked up at a preferred location. This is referred to as placing an item on “hold.” Upon notification that a reserve is available, members have 7 open days to pick up the item. The following circulating items cannot be reserved:
- Magazines
- DVD Express
- Bestseller Express
Returns
Items borrowed from the Hamilton Public Library need to be returned to an HPL location. Drop boxes are available for the return of items when the location is closed. If a Hamilton Public Library item is returned to another library system in error, the card holder is responsible for all fines and associated charges. Certain items may need to be returned during open hours.
Suspension of Borrowing Privileges
Borrowing privileges are suspended when members have fines and/or overdue materials over the threshold limit. Suspensions only apply to physical borrowing; digital collections and resources remain accessible. See Fines and Fees Policy [5].